A helping hand

A strategic investment and a trusted partnership

At Vetropack Moravia Glass, production has a long tradition. To meet growing demand and maintain its competitive edge, the site recently launched its furnace 52 – and with it, a new generation of forming technology. The decision to invest in Bucher Emhart Glass’s New Individual Section (NIS) machines was driven by a clear objective: to increase output while improving quality and operational efficiency. The successful rollout in Kyjov is also the latest chapter in a long-standing partnership. Vetropack and Bucher Emhart Glass share more than their Swiss roots: for over 30 years, they’ve worked together on advancing glass-forming technologies. “We chose Bucher Emhart Glass not just for their technical solution,” says Wakolbinger. “We compared proposals from four suppliers and Bucher Emhart Glass offered the best overall package. The collaboration has always been open, fast and professional.”

Precision through innovation

The NIS system is one of the most advanced forming machines on the market today. Its servo-electric drive ensures precise, repeatable movements and a high degree of flexibility – key factors for producing consistent, high-quality containers. It also reduces energy consumption, ambient noise and the need for manual intervention, all of which improve working conditions at the plant. For Kyjov, which primarily runs long production series, the machines provide exactly the performance needed.

Training, testing, and teamwork

Preparing for the transition took time. From adapting all mould sets to training technical staff in Sweden, the Kyjov team worked hand-in-hand with Bucher Emhart Glass to make the switch. Even pandemic restrictions couldn’t halt progress: acceptance testing was conducted remotely, using livestreams and video documentation. Despite global supply chain disruptions, the project was completed on schedule.

A model for the future

With Kyjov leading the way, other Vetropack plants are following suit. The next NIS machine is already installed at the company’s site in Hum na Sutli, Croatia. “The technology will help us reduce emissions and further improve production efficiency,” says Wakolbinger. The benefits are clear: more output, better quality, faster response to customer needs – and a smaller carbon footprint. For Vetropack, it’s not just a new machine. It’s a step forward on the road to sustainable growth.